Breaking Barriers: Dr Louisa Dlamini Becomes First Black Graduate in Radiation Oncology at University of Pretoria

Breaking Barriers: Dr Louisa Dlamini Becomes First Black Graduate in Radiation Oncology at University of Pretoria

Dr Louisa Dlamini has made history — and opened doors for others — by becoming the first black student to graduate with a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Radiation Oncology from the University of Pretoria.

Raised in the township of Mabopane in Tshwane under tough socio-economic conditions, Dr Dlamini says her achievement is not just personal — it’s symbolic.

“This has been more than just ticking a box,” Dr Dlamini says. “It’s a generational victory – a moment that represents hope, perseverance and the strength of those who came before me.”

Being the first, she says, comes with pressure — the kind that pushes you to excel not just for yourself, but for your community. She said:

“Being the ‘first’ carries pressure – the pressure to excel and justify your presence. But it also means opening the door for those who will follow.”

Her passion for medicine started early. Inspired by her uncle, Dr Mandla Mdawe — the first doctor in her family — Dr Dlamini says every step she took academically was aimed at one thing: becoming a doctor.

“I’ve always been passionate about working with vulnerable people,” she says. “I knew medicine would be a fulfilling career for me.”

She began her journey at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she earned her medical degree (MBChB). While working as a medical officer at a district hospital, she saw firsthand the desperate need for cancer treatment in black communities.

“I saw the critical need for oncology services,” Dr Dlamini says. “There were patients dying, some in urgent need of cancer treatment. That’s when I realised just how limited access to oncology is in black communities.”

That realisation led her to specialise further — first working in medical oncology before enrolling at the University of Pretoria to pursue an MMed in Radiation Oncology. She says the dynamic nature of the field keeps her inspired.

“Oncology is a broad, ever-changing and progressive field. That excites me, because it means I’ll be learning throughout my career.”

Her postgraduate journey at UP wasn’t easy. Balancing motherhood, intense study, and the emotional weight of being a trailblazer took a toll. But she says the support from her supervisor, Dr Sheynaz Bassa, her fellow students, and her family helped carry her through.

“There were moments when I felt like giving up,” she recalls. “There were times I wondered if I really belonged. But I kept pushing because I knew this journey wasn’t just for me.”

With the love and encouragement of her parents, siblings, and three daughters, she pushed through and reached a milestone that she hopes will inspire many.

“I may be the first, but I definitely won’t be the last,” Dr Dlamini says. “This achievement proves that excellence exists beyond the systems that once excluded us. It’s time to shift the narrative.”

Looking ahead, Dr Dlamini wants to do more than treat cancer. Her goal is to expand access to oncology care in under-resourced communities and lead outreach programmes to teach people about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

She’s also passionate about mentoring others, especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“I want to support other students from disadvantaged backgrounds, to show them that they too can make it.”

To young black South Africans dreaming of a career in medicine, Dr Dlamini offers this powerful message:

“You belong. You carry the strength of generations behind you. Don’t wait for permission to take up space – make space. Surround yourself with those who uplift you, and remember to uplift others as you rise.”